Gained the southwest ridge by climbing a subsidiary ridge above Manker Flats. On the subsidiary ridge, which begins about 100 yards down hill from the fire road gate, I encountered steep scree in places and once had to descend and traverse to avoid thick brush. The southwest ridge was pleasant with a few tricky spots where it narrowed. I would rate the route class 2-3. It took me 3.5 hours round trip, including a 45 minute descent from the top of Thunder Mountain via Baldy Notch. I saw nobody on the ascent route.

We could see Thunder Mountain (8587’) across a saddle from Telegraph Peak. We made our way back to the 3T’s trail, and descended in elevation via switchbacks to the Telegraph/Thunder saddle. Our trail traversed around the summit while gaining in elevation to the ski slope on the Baldy side. We hiked up the snowless ski slope with a dormant ski lift on our left. The distance for this section was 1 mile with an elevation gain of 400’. At the summit was a small shack used by the lift operators, and the Mount Baldy Snow Patrol. We took some pictures, and ate some food before heading towards Mount Harwood.

Went up Ski Hut Trail to Baldy then made a side trip to West Baldy. Went back to Badly, then down the Backbone to Harwood, the Notch and then up Thunder and down the service road back to Manker. The trail from Baldy Notch to Thunder is basically a service road and is very dusty with all the construction, next time I'll try the 3 Ts trail. About 16 miles and about 5200 ft. gain.

Been skiing here way more than hiking up. Usuall only do this as part of the three Ts or the full loop: Sugar loof, Ontario, Bighorn, Cucamonge, Timber, Telegraph, THUNDER, Harwood, Baldy, and West Baldy. Makes for "a long 24 hour day". No way could I do that anymore in a day. The top of Thunder gives a great view to check out the NW face of Telegraph to plan your next winter climb ;)

I took the 3 T's trail starting at the Ice House Canyon Trailhead and ended up at the parking lot of the Mt.Baldy ski lifts. I was unable to bag all 3 T's as I was running behind due to the snow and had to skip Telegraph peak.

Again, very out of shape, walked the bike to the top with Theron, then had the coolest descent on the bikes. This is the crash site of my brother, where he managed to mangle his brand new Rocky Mountain.